At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function and drive operational performance in a growing manufacturing group.
- Company: Dynamic UK-based manufacturing and distribution group with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on leadership role, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Join a pivotal role in a company aiming to exceed £100m in revenue within four years.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with 10-15 years of experience in finance leadership.
- Other info: Be part of a small, agile team making a significant impact on business growth.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
A growing UK-based manufacturing and distribution group is seeking an experienced Financial Director / Financial Controller to lead the finance function and play a central role in the operational and commercial development of the business. The organisation operates multiple specialist product and service divisions supplying both commercial and institutional customers across the UK. With annual revenues currently around £40m and a clear strategic plan to exceed £100m within the next four years, the business is entering a period of significant operational and commercial expansion.
This is a hands-on leadership role within a relatively lean management structure. The successful candidate will take full ownership of the finance function while acting as a key business partner to the Managing Director and wider leadership team.
The Role
Reporting to the UK Managing Director and working closely with the international group finance team, the Financial Director / Controller will be responsible for the overall financial management of the UK operations and will play a key role in driving operational performance across the business. Beyond core financial management, the position will involve strong commercial involvement across areas such as logistics, procurement, warehousing, and operational efficiency. The role will form part of a small finance team supporting a wider business of approximately 50 employees across multiple operating divisions.
Key responsibilities include:
- Full responsibility for finance across multiple operating units
- Ownership of monthly management accounts, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting
- Ensuring strong financial controls and governance across the business
- Leading and developing a small internal finance team
- Acting as a commercial partner to the Managing Director and operational leadership
- Providing financial insight on product mix, margin optimisation, and route-to-market strategies
- Supporting improvements across logistics, warehousing, procurement, and infrastructure
- Delivering financial analysis to support strategic growth initiatives and new commercial models
- Acting as a key interface with group finance leadership for reporting and performance review
The Candidate
This role requires a commercially minded finance leader who is comfortable operating in a hands-on environment and engaging directly with operational teams. The successful candidate will combine strong financial expertise with the ability to influence business performance beyond the finance function.
Key requirements include:
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CA or equivalent) or demonstrable senior finance expertise
- Approximately 10–15 years post-qualification experience, although more experienced candidates will also be considered
- Experience leading finance within a manufacturing, distribution, or operationally complex environment
- Strong commercial and analytical mindset with the ability to translate financial insight into operational improvement
- Experience managing small finance teams
- Highly hands-on approach with the ability to operate effectively within a lean organisation
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work closely with senior leadership
- High levels of accountability, drive, and professional discipline
Financial Director employer: GAP Talent
Contact Detail:
GAP Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their financials, recent news, and their growth strategy. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in areas like operational efficiency and financial management. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Financial Director role. Highlight your experience in financial management, especially in manufacturing or distribution. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this hands-on leadership role. Share specific examples of how you've driven operational performance and worked closely with senior teams.
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen: We’re looking for someone who can translate financial insights into operational improvements. In your application, highlight any experiences where you’ve influenced business performance beyond finance. This will really catch our eye!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at GAP Talent
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Director, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the company’s operations and be ready to discuss how you can drive improvements in areas like budgeting and forecasting.
✨Understand the Business Model
Familiarise yourself with the company's product and service divisions. Be prepared to discuss how your financial strategies can support their operational and commercial growth, especially as they aim to exceed £100m in revenue.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a small finance team, so highlight your experience in developing and managing teams. Share specific examples of how you've successfully influenced business performance through strong leadership.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you’ve faced in previous roles, particularly in manufacturing or distribution, and how you overcame them to improve operational efficiency.